Chapter 17

"I love you darling." She smiled at me, tears glistening in her eyes."come." She stretched her arms to me. "Come to mama, come home darling."

I walked barefooted to her to grab her hand. "We miss you, come on." I stretched my hand to grab hers when blinding rays of sunlight shone on my face blocking my view. I groaned using my hand to shield my eyes from the bright light. She was starting to fade from my sight. "Mother," I called, trying to walk to her.

"Mother,"

"Mother," I jerked up off the bed looking around the room. I turned to the window where the bright ray of sunshine came from, I sighted Gwen standing by the window staring at me with concern.

"Are you okay?" She asked, walking closer to me. "You were yelling 'mother', are you okay?"

I placed my palm on my forehead, letting out a heavy sign. "I'm fine. Just had a weird dream."

"Ermm, Okay." She placed her palm on my hand, rubbing it soothingly.

"Where are the others?" I asked, looking around the empty room.

"They're all busy, it's another day. We have work to do."

"What?!" I widened my eyes in surprise upon hearing what she said. "Another day??"

"Yeah." She answered, glancing at me weirdly. "You've been out for a day."

"A day! A whole day?!" I screamed with eyes widened in shock.

"Okay, okay. There's no point screaming just-"

The door creaked open and Madam Helen stepped into the room. "Oh dear Eleanor, you're finally awake." She walked to me and engulfed me in a comforting hug. "How are you feeling now? Do you feel pain around your body? Are you hungry? Do you still want-"

"I'm fine Madam Helen, and one question at a time." I cut her off holding her arm.

"I'm sorry, I was just worried."

"It's okay, I'm good, as you can see." I reassured her. "Ermm, I think I'll like to have my bath now, since it's another day." I say to both of them standing up from the bed.

"That's true, go have your bath, I'll get you something to eat."

I walked into the small bathroom shaking my head lightly. My mind traveled back to what happened in the prince room, I scoffed, shaking my head, my face contorting into a frown. He sure is as stupid as I thought. Well, nothing matters anymore as long as I have said my mind out to him.

I shook off all thoughts from my head and began brushing my teeth. My stomach growled, reminding me of how hungry I am. I hurriedly brushed my teeth and began bathing so I could get something to eat.

*

*

Luciano groaned lightly, resting his head on the wall trying to ease the headache he feels. He shut his eyes close trying to bear the pain. He was not able to get enough sleep last night, since he heard that Eleanor has not woken up.

He doesn't understand why his mind is so bothered about it. He's starting to hate himself for having these unwanted emotions. He's not supposed to feel this, especially for a slave.

Maybe because he's already realizing that these people are truly innocent. Or is it all she said?

Why is he considering all she said?

He tried to speak to his mind that he's doing this for his brother, Eagan. But it seems his mind has turned deaf ears to him.

He placed his two hands on his head hissing out loud. Now, he's feeling a stupid headache just because of her, he couldn't sleep because his mind couldn't stop worrying about her, repeating all what she said just trying to make him feel remorseful which is totally working.

Dear gods, when would his mind learn to obey him again?

Luciano groaned again for the umpteenth time trying to shut all thoughts about her from his mind. A knock came on the door immediately, he removed his hand from his head and regained his posture before speaking.

"Come in."

The door went open and the reason for his sleepless night, the reason for the betrayal of his mind and body stepped in.

She closed the door behind her and stepped fully into the room. "Good morning master." She muttered, her voice barely audible.

"Good morning," Luciano replied.

Eleanor jerked her head up in surprise, staring at him in shock. Did he just answer? She couldn't stop staring at him in pure surprise.

He never replies to her greetings, instead he just gives her silence, no response. But today is just different.

Luciano clenched his fists tight trying to ignore what his mind was telling him to do. He can't apologize to her, it would only make him vulnerable and he doesn't want that.

"How are you feeling?" He mistakenly asked.

Eleanor glanced at him to make sure she heard him well, is he really asking her that?

Eleanor quirked her eyebrows at him questioningly, daring him to repeat the question again.

Luciano groaned before grunting out. "How are you feeling?" She's making this hard for him.

Eleanor was tempted to burst out laughing at his expression. He was clearly angry but was still trying to be concerned about her, nevertheless she replied. "I feel better."

Luciano looked around the room not knowing what to say again, he's not good at holding conversations talk more of asking about people's feelings.

Eleanor took a napkin and began dusting the table to get started for the day's work.

Luciano stood up and walked into the balcony cursing under his breath. He feels like he has just embarrassed himself. He definitely hates his mind for that.

*

*

Nikolai stood in the balcony of his room staring at the garden. He can't stop thinking about the maiden he saw the other day, her beauty is so mesmerizing that he can't get his head off her. He must see her again, and when he sees her he won't miss the opportunity to talk to her. He won't miss it, good things won't pass him by.